David Collins

David Collins, a beacon of adventure and a fount of wisdom, left this world on December 30, 2023, in Dothan, Alabama, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. Born on May 16, 1954, in Bainbridge, Georgia, David's life was a tapestry of rich experiences, woven with the threads of humor, intelligence, and an unquenchable zest for the great outdoors.

David's journey began in the comforting embrace of his hometown but soon expanded to the halls of Dothan High School, where the first seeds of his future were sown. A proud graduate of Troy University, David dedicated his life to coaching young minds in various schools across the Wiregrass Area, leaving a legacy of inspired students when he retired in 2009.

His professional accolades as one of the finest taxidermists in the region, coupled with his national awards, spoke volumes about his meticulous craftsmanship and his profound respect for nature. David's Native American Cherokee heritage was a wellspring of pride and creativity, leading him to explore the interwoven narratives of American Indian relationships through the powerful medium of film.

David's passion for life was as vast as the wilderness he adored. A true outdoorsman, he cherished the rugged beauty of Yellowstone, where he once camped for two weeks, immersing himself in the untamed spirit of the land. Football games, the strokes of a paintbrush, and the pages of history books were his companions, alongside the joyous laughter of his family.

The bonds of love and devotion were the cornerstone of David's world. He shared a beautiful 25-year journey with his wife, Beth Collins, and together they raised a family of strength and character. His four sons, John (Beth) Craft, Brad (Summer) Craft, Ryan (Ashley) Smith, and Clay (Lauren) Smith, and his two daughters, Amy (Brad) Forehand and Mandi (Jason) Suggs, were the pride of his life, and the joyous echoes of his 14 grandchildren were music to his ears. David's siblings, Dwight Collins, Robert Collins, and Dianne Collins, along with several nieces and nephews, were cherished threads in the family tapestry.

Though he now walks the trails of eternity, preceded by his parents, Forrest Kenneth and Wanda Jordan Collins, and his sister, Lynn Holland, David's legacy is as enduring as the mountains he loved. He was a historian not just of the past, but of the heart, always seeking to understand and share the stories that bind us all.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." David did just that, forging a path uniquely his own, leaving behind a trail marked by laughter, wisdom, and the indomitable spirit of adventure. His story is a reminder to us all to embrace life with passion, to seek knowledge with fervor, and to love with all the intensity of our being.

David Collins, an adventurous soul, an intelligent mind, and a funny heart, was a man who truly knew how to live. Today, we celebrate not just the life he led, but the countless lives he touched, the memories he crafted, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. David, you will be profoundly missed, but your spirit will forever guide us on our own adventures through this beautiful, wild world.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604